A large public venue was abuzz with energy as more than 2,000 students searched for educational opportunities at America’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The event marked the 15th anniversary of The Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair which is now in its 23rd year of operation in the Northeast.  Area high school juniors, seniors, and their parents connected with recruiters and admissions counselors from nearly 50 institutions representing the 20 states that HBCUs call home.

The schools in attendance included, Bennett College, Cheyney University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Hampton University, Lincoln University PA, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Virginia State University and Xavier University.

Admissions professionals shared information on their school’s available programs, student services and scholarships, while students and parents were able to ask questions and attend informational seminars.  Some workshops had area alumni who shared their HBCU experience and its value post-graduation in new careers or graduate studies.

Many students that were present accepted admissions at the fair.  One student even met her goal of getting 10 acceptances at the fair and expressed that that this experience was priceless.  High school counselors had provided her transcript and she was able to showcase her academic performance to date, along with ACT and SAT scores.  She had started some applications before coming to the fair at which she completed 5 by providing the recommendations and essays that were required.

Anthony Price, a recruiter and alumni from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, had participated in the HBCU college fair for nine years.  He said he found this fair, as in previous years, brought high-quality students to his table.  He counted more than 900 students who stopped by his table, registered for informational updates, gathered materials and asked questions.

Other recruiters from the East Coast and beyond traveled far to see students and were excited to see for themselves the quality of students and be able to pitch their school.  

Fast forward to November, 2021. High school, transfer students and adult learners have the same valuable opportunity to explore and engage with HBCUs. The difference during the COVID-19 environment is that The Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair is being held virtually.  Virtual college booths are manned by “live” admissions professionals who are just as eager and excited to discuss their offerings with interested students.   

REGISTER HERE to attend this event at no charge. It will feature admissions professionals from more than 30 HBCUs. Most of them will offer instant admissions and application fee waivers. 

They will have “live, real-time” group chat sessions to discuss important college search and decision-making information. Participants can virtually visit their “college booths” to speak with representatives and feel like they are going table to table at an in-person fair. 

Students who visit 5 or more college booths will be entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship to the HBCU of their choice for the school year 2022-2023.

To learn more about participating HBCU’s admissions, enrollment and scholarship requirements, majors, scholarships, etc. visit HBCU SEARCH and STUDENT PREP.

Virtual Event Schedule (Times in EST)

Thu Nov 11                             Virtual Booths Only – No HBCUs 

Fri Nov 12                               Virtual Booths Only – No HBCUs 

Sat Nov 13, 3:30p – 7:30p    New York Virtual HBCU COLLEGE FAIR

Sun Nov 14, 2p-5p                 Scholarship and Financial Aid Symposium 

Mon Nov 15                            Virtual Booths Only – No HBCUs 

Tues Nov 16, 9a-1p                Live HBCU Reps – New Jersey VIRTUAL FAIR 

Wed Nov 17, 3:30p-7p          Live HBCU Reps – Philadelphia HBCU FAIR

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